Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 10 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Friday, 10 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what progress is being made in his review of policy on children's seat belts' installation and testing.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made in his review of policy on children's seat belts installation and testing. [137085] Mr. Hill: Following the hon. Member's meeting with my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Lord Whitty) on 2 August, we undertook to raise this matter at the Department's next MOT trade liaison meeting. This meeting will be held on 5 December which will enable us to enlist industry's views on what more might feasibly be done in this area. In parallel with this, we are embarking on a series of measures to aid and promote safety with child seat installation. A radio and publicity campaign will be launched by the Department in February to highlight the need for vehicle owners to check the fitment of restraint belts before they are used. In addition, we will be producing `credit card' style tips for motorists about child restraints. These cards will be passed on to motorists at MOT testing stations and we will also instruct testers to offer advice on the general condition of child restraints.

Secondary information